Target has recalled its Favorite Day™ Gourmet New York Style Cheesecake due to an undeclared pecan allergen that poses serious health risks to individuals with nut allergies. The specific product affected is the 6 oz, 2-count package with lot code 25028A1 000039133 and UPC 0 85239 09690, which was distributed in Target stores across five states from mid-February to early March 2025. Dessert Holdings LLC issued the recall on March 20, 2025, after receiving a customer complaint about the missing allergen information. While no illnesses have been reported yet, the recall underscores the critical importance of proper food labeling for consumer safety.
Understanding the Target Cheesecake Recall
On March 20, 2025, Dessert Holdings LLC announced an urgent product recall affecting Target’s house brand dessert. The recall specifically targets the Favorite Day™ Gourmet New York Style Cheesecake in 6 oz, 2-count packages with lot code 25028A1 000039133 and UPC 0 85239 09690. These cheesecakes were sold in Target stores throughout Ohio, California, Florida, Iowa, and Texas between February 14 and March 7, 2025.
The primary reason for this recall is a significant labeling oversight – the products contain pecans but fail to declare this allergen on the packaging. For most consumers, this might seem like a minor issue, but for those with pecan allergies, it presents a potentially life-threatening situation. This incident follows a pattern of recent dessert safety concerns that have affected major retailers.
The recall came to light after a customer noticed pecans in the product that weren’t listed on the ingredient label and filed a complaint on March 14, 2025. Dessert Holdings LLC, the manufacturer, quickly investigated and confirmed the labeling error, prompting the official recall announcement less than a week later. This quick response demonstrates the seriousness with which food manufacturers must treat allergen concerns.
Health Risks Associated with the Mislabeled Cheesecakes
For individuals with pecan allergies, consuming this mislabeled cheesecake could trigger severe allergic reactions ranging from mild to life-threatening. Tree nut allergies, including pecan allergies, are among the most common food allergies and can cause serious health complications. Symptoms can develop within minutes to several hours after consumption and vary greatly in severity.
Common allergic reactions to pecans include hives, swelling of the lips, face, tongue, and throat, difficulty breathing, digestive problems, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis – a potentially life-threatening emergency requiring immediate medical attention. Even a small amount of pecan can trigger a reaction in sensitive individuals, making proper labeling absolutely crucial for food safety.
According to the recall notice, no illnesses or adverse reactions had been reported at the time of the announcement. However, the risk remains for any consumers who purchased the product and were unaware of the pecan content. This situation highlights the importance of vigilance when dealing with food allergen recalls and understanding ingredient labels, especially for those with known food sensitivities.
How to Identify the Recalled Target Cheesecakes
The affected cheesecakes can be easily identified by their packaging and specific product codes. They’re sold in clear plastic clamshell containers under Target’s “Favorite Day” brand, labeled as Gourmet New York Style Cheesecake. Each package contains two 6-ounce cheesecake portions.
To determine if your product is part of the recall, look for the following identifiers:
- Lot code: 25028A1 000039133
- UPC number: 0 85239 09690
- Distribution dates: February 14 to March 7, 2025
- Distribution states: Ohio, California, Florida, Iowa, and Texas
It’s important to note that only cheesecakes with this specific lot code are affected by the recall. Other Target dessert products, including other varieties of cheesecake, aren’t included in this recall. The distribution was limited to the five states mentioned, with distribution centers located in those same states.
If you’ve recently purchased Target cheesecakes, I’d recommend checking your refrigerator immediately. Unlike some other food recalls that affect shelf-stable items, these cheesecakes have a relatively short shelf life, so they may still be in consumers’ homes.
What Consumers Should Do If They Have the Recalled Product
If you’ve identified that you have the recalled Target cheesecake in your possession, you should take immediate action. First and foremost, do not consume the product, especially if you or anyone in your household has a pecan allergy or sensitivity. Even if you don’t have allergies, it’s best to follow recall guidelines.
Target is offering a full refund to all consumers who return the recalled product. You can bring the cheesecake (even if partially consumed) or your receipt to any Target store. No additional proof of purchase is required beyond either the product itself or the receipt showing you bought the affected item.
For any questions or concerns regarding the recall, you have several options to contact the companies involved:
- Target Guest Relations: (800) 444-0680
- Dessert Holdings: (720) 766-9060 (Monday through Friday, 10 AM – 7 PM EST)
- Email inquiries: [email protected]
This recall serves as an important reminder to always check food labels, especially if you’re trying new products. For those with food allergies, it’s crucial to remain vigilant and stay informed about store-bought cheesecakes and potential allergen risks.
Target’s Response and Corrective Actions
Target and Dessert Holdings LLC have responded to the situation with appropriate urgency and transparency. The recall was initiated promptly after the customer complaint was received on March 14, 2025. Within six days, the companies had investigated, confirmed the issue, and issued a formal recall notice through appropriate channels, including the FDA.
In their official statement, Target emphasized their commitment to consumer safety: “At Target, our purpose is to help all families discover the joy of everyday life. It is who we are, how we work, and what we value. Our guests, your safety, is our highest priority.” This statement reflects the company’s acknowledgment of the seriousness of allergen mislabeling.
Dessert Holdings has confirmed that they’ve already implemented corrective measures to prevent similar issues in the future. These measures include enhanced label verification procedures and additional quality control checks before products leave their facilities. The manufacturer has also conducted a comprehensive review of their allergen control programs across all production lines.
The swift response to this labeling error demonstrates the food industry’s growing recognition of the critical importance of allergen information. Similar to other recent food recalls, this incident highlights the need for constant vigilance in food manufacturing and labeling processes.
Resources for Staying Informed About Food Recalls
Staying informed about food recalls is an essential practice for all consumers, particularly those with food allergies or other dietary restrictions. For this specific Target cheesecake recall, you can find detailed information and updates on Target’s dedicated product recall page at https://help.target.com/help/productrecallpage. The Ohio Department of Health has also published a recall notice with additional details at https://odh.ohio.gov/know-our-programs/food-safety-program/food-recalls/3-20-25-dessert-holdings.
Beyond this specific recall, there are several reliable resources that provide timely information about food safety issues and recalls. The FDA’s Food Safety and Recall website is regularly updated with the latest food recall information. Many grocery chains and retailers also maintain their own recall pages that you can check periodically.
I find that signing up for email alerts from food safety organizations is particularly helpful. The USDA and FDA both offer email notification services that will alert you to new recalls as they’re announced. Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) also provides specific alerts related to allergen-related recalls.
For those with food allergies, consider joining online communities focused on your specific allergen. These groups often share information about problematic products even before official recalls are issued. Remember that proper food labeling is not just a regulatory requirement—it’s a vital safety measure that protects consumers with food allergies. If you’d like to share your favorite allergy-friendly recipes, consider submitting a dessert recipe to our site to help others with similar dietary restrictions.
The Importance of Allergen Awareness in Food Safety
This Target cheesecake recall highlights the critical importance of proper allergen labeling in our food system. Food allergies affect approximately 32 million Americans, including 5.6 million children, making allergen transparency not just a legal requirement but a public health necessity. Undeclared allergens consistently rank among the top reasons for food recalls in the United States.
Food manufacturers have a responsibility to accurately identify all potential allergens in their products. The FDA requires that the “Big Nine” allergens—milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, and as of 2023, sesame—must be clearly declared on food labels. Pecans, being a tree nut, fall under this mandatory labeling requirement.
For consumers with food allergies, reading labels is a life-saving habit. However, even the most careful consumers can’t protect themselves from undeclared allergens, which is why proper labeling and swift recall actions are essential. If you’re interested in finding trustworthy food recommendations, our local dessert shop directory can help you discover establishments that prioritize allergen transparency.
The food industry continues to improve allergen control programs and labeling practices, but recalls like this serve as important reminders of the work still needed. By taking allergen labeling seriously and responding quickly to issues, companies like Target and Dessert Holdings help protect vulnerable consumers while building trust with their customer base. For those interested in food safety advocacy, consider supporting organizations working to improve allergen awareness and labeling standards, or show your passion for food safety with items from our foodie-themed apparel shop.